We've been developing these technologies for more than 25 years and today our systems are used by thousands of vessels around the world.

Where does space fit into the business?

Space has become an increasingly important part of what we do.

Traditionally, ships communicated with other vessels or shore stations. Today, satellites allow those same vessels to communicate from almost anywhere on Earth, giving operators a truly global picture of maritime activity.

As satellite communications continue to evolve, our technology is evolving alongside it.

You've helped develop your own satellite payload. Can you tell us about that project?

With support from the Swedish Government, we developed a space qualified VDES payload that was successfully launched aboard the YMIR-1 satellite. 

Developing space hardware was a completely new challenge for us. It required us to learn how to design electronics that could survive and operate reliably in the harsh environment of space.

Today the satellite is performing extremely well and provides an excellent platform for testing new technologies and software in orbit.

Why is the YMIR-1 mission such an important achievement?

YMIR-1 allows us to validate new communications technologies in a real operational environment.

The satellite flies in a polar orbit around 600 kilometres above Earth, collecting information from ships as it travels around the planet. Over the course of a day, it effectively builds a global picture of maritime traffic.

That data helps us refine our technology while demonstrating the capabilities of our payload to future customers and partners.

The next generation of communications is VDES. What makes it so exciting?

AIS transformed maritime communications by allowing ships to broadcast their position.

VDES takes that much further by allowing information to flow in both directions between ships and satellites. Instead of simply transmitting information, vessels will also be able to receive data, creating a far more connected global communications network.

It's a major step forward and one that will create exciting opportunities for both the maritime and space industries.

What do you enjoy most about working in the space sector?

I enjoy the challenge.

Space projects bring together specialists from many different disciplines, and you're constantly learning something new. Every mission requires collaboration, innovation and problem solving.

I also enjoy working internationally. We collaborate with organisations across Europe and beyond, and it's rewarding to see different teams working together to deliver new capabilities.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?

The next few years will be incredibly important.

As VDES ship stations begins rolling out globally, from 1st January 2028, we expect many more satellites carrying communications payloads to be launched. Our ambition is to become one of the leading suppliers of these payloads, working with satellite manufacturers around the world.

We're already discussing future missions with a number of partners, so it's an exciting time for the business.

Your work also supports Maritime Domain Awareness. What does that mean?

Maritime Domain Awareness is about creating a clearer understanding of activity across the world's oceans.

Communications payloads provide part of that picture, but when combined with technologies such as optical imaging, infrared sensors and radar, satellites can help governments and commercial organisations improve maritime safety, environmental monitoring and security. VDES brings also authentication of the ship from space to the MDA picture. 

It's a rapidly growing area where space technology is making a real difference.

How has becoming part of Teledyne Space benefited your business?

Being part of Teledyne Space has been a natural fit.

Across the organisation there is an extraordinary depth of expertise in sensors, electronics and space-qualified technologies. Although every business has its own specialist capabilities, we're all contributing technologies that enable successful space missions.

That environment encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation, and it creates exciting opportunities for businesses like ours as we continue expanding our presence in the space sector. 

Teledyne Space is a collective that incorporates Teledyne Space Imaging as well as space-related products and services supplied by Teledyne FLIR TransponderTech.